Illustration Friday: Cat

A cat on a rocket. Created with acrylics and pens on Bristol board, 9″ x 9″.

I struggled with this painting and repainted areas several times. I think I struggled because I tried to do some things differently with this piece. I have rarely used black paint so the black cat was something different for me. I hoped too that by using black it would force me away from my reliance on using pens to add detail and line work and that instead I would have to paint my lines.

I’m really trying to improve my brushwork, especially when it comes to laying down fine lines and details. I even bought some new smaller sized brushes, a mix of liners, spotters and rounds of size 1 through 000 (seen below).

I struggle with my dependence on pens, also. Forcing yourself to work with brushes can be frustrating and a little anxiety-producing (especially when you’re concernced with messing up a piece). Good luck with it!
Your black kitty is my favorite part of the whole picture.

I am really enjoying your new banner and blog! I love the way you talk about your work, what you think and how you do it. Made me laugh when you talk about pen dependency! It could be worse!!! Your colours and style are wonderful !!! Love it

not only do I love the cat on a rocket (brilliant! just brilliant!), but I love that even your most basic subject matter takes on a whole whimsical life of its own. you have a whole universe going on. I’m glad to have the opportunity to visit it (I’d move here but I have to see how the housing market it).